Decision means more work for Dahlgren

Two programs will benefit King George Navy base

Date published: 9/25/2009

By RUSTY DENNEN

Ballistic missile defense and a key Navy shipbuilding program will bring more work to the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren.

Rep. Rob Wittman said yesterday that President Barack Obama's decision last week to scrap the Bush administration's planned ballistic missile shield in Europe, and the Navy's commitment to build 55 littoral combat ships, is good news for the King George County base.

The 1st District Republican met Tuesday with Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of Naval Operations.

In a press release, Wittman said Roughead promised "greater opportunities for employment and enhanced educational partnerships in Dahlgren."

No details were released.

Under the Obama administration's ballistic missile plan, Aegis ships with interceptors would become the first stage in the nation's missile defense. Developed at Dahlgren, Aegis is a shipboard weapons system using the latest radar technology to detect and engage targets.

Dahlgren's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense agency was instrumental in the shoot-down of an errant spy satellite last year.

Meanwhile, the Air and Missile Defense Command, which opened at Dahlgren earlier this year, "will continue to take on increasingly important strategic roles for our nation's security," Wittman said. That program will eventually include all Navy integrated air and missile defense.

The Navy's announcement this week on its littoral (close to shore) combat ships, Wittman said, "is good news for both the Navy and for Dahlgren."

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, the base's largest tenant command, is developing the ships' interchangeable modules.

Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 9/25/2009